The proposed bill seeks to secure nearly $3.3 million in funding for the Office of the Veteran Advocate (OVA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) to address the increasing demands of supporting Massachusetts veterans and their families. The OVA, which began full operations in FY25 with a budget of $2 million, has made significant strides in its first year, including protecting vulnerable veterans from predatory practices, aiding nonprofit organizations, and collaborating with federal agencies. However, the current budget proposal for FY26 does not account for inflation or the growing workload, necessitating an increase in funding to maintain and expand operations. Key components of the funding request include provisions for full-time staffing to ensure continuity and manage the workload effectively, office space to accommodate a new independent lease that supports a hybrid work model, and technology to address rising costs associated with technological support. The budget breakdown highlights the need for additional personnel, operational expenses, and technology investments, with personnel costs alone accounting for approximately 75% of the proposed budget. The OVA aims to enhance its services and improve the overall well-being of veterans and their families through this funding initiative.